Preview and pick for Lakers at Hawks

Los Angeles Lakers @ Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday at 7:35 PM ET. We are going to focus on the total in this contest. Current NBA betting odds at BookMaker is showing a total of 218.5. 

Lakers Long Road Trip

Today will be the finale of a 7-game in 12-day road trip for the Lakers. They have shown a bit of fatigue over their last two games while scoring just 96 and 92 points. Those dismal offensive performances from such a talented team usually indicates they are suffering from tired legs. When that occurs poor shooting and or playing at a slower tempo is usually common.

Low Scoring Team Trends

The Lakers have seen 11 of their 13 road games go under the total this season. Furthermore, they allowed 108 points or less in each of those contests. Los Angeles has also held their opponents to 108 points or fewer in 6 straight and 10 of its last 11 games overall.

Atlanta has played 6 non-conference games this season and all those contests stayed under the total. There was only a combined average of just 203.6 points scored per game throughout those six contests.



Both Teams Stout Defensively

Due to prolific scoring threats like Lebron James and Anthony Davis most observers lose sight of how good the Lakers are defensively. Their defensive tenacity was a big reason for them winning an NBA title a season ago. This season's team has been extremely attentive on the defensive end as well. Los Angeles currently ranks #2 in scoring defense at a bit over 104 points per game. Additionally, the Lakers have allowed their opponents to make just 34.1% of their 3-point shot attempts which ranks third best leaguewide in that statistical category.

In my opinion, Atlanta has been the most improved defensive team in the NBA this season compared to last. The Hawks are #3 in field goal percentage defense (44.3%). Atlanta is #2 when it comes to 3-point field goal percentage defense (32.1%) as well.

Final Analysis
Atlanta likes to play at an above average offensive pace. However, during the past two seasons, the Lakers have been masters of keeping quicker tempo offensive teams in check. This will be a grind it out type of game with both teams being locked in defensively. My NBA free pick for today aligns perfectly with that previous statement.

Pick: Under 218.5

Ross Benjamin is a top sports analyst and one of the sports industry's most respected handicappers. Follow him on Twitter: @RossBenjamin1 or visit his website at RBWins.com